The chief of Saskatoon's police service has been let go for what city officials say are internal reasons.

The city's board of police commissioners announced Dave Scott's termination at a news conference on Friday, 15 months before his three-year contract was to expire.

The board says Scott's dismissal is not the result of the investigation into allegations that some Saskatoon officers had dropped off aboriginal men miles from the city in freezing temperatures.

The trips were dubbed "Starlight Tours". More than a year ago, an RCMP task force began investigating the deaths of four aboriginal people who were left on the outskirts of town.

The commissioners did not say why Scott was being fired. But they did say they want to rebuild relations between police and the community.

"This decision is about creating a new beginning," Saskatoon Mayor Jim Madden said in a prepared statement. Madden also chairs the city's board of police commissioners.

Patricia Roe, a member of the police commission board, said the decision shouldn't reflect poorly on Scott, calling him "a good and honourable person."

Scott is to receive his $150,000 salary for the remainder of his contract.

Scott did not attend the conference, but issued a four-paragraph news release. The release did not mention his firing.

"My hope is that I have served you with dignity and grace and that you will accord the new chief your support," he wrote.

Deputy chief Dan Wicks will be acting chief until a replacement is found. Christine Silverberg, the former chief of police for Calgary, will assist with the transition.